Words by GOLD newsdesk
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) launched its 10-year science strategy on 16 May 2023, which set out how it plans to protect the nation from present and future health threats by bolstering scientific advancements in the UK.
The strategy sets out how scientific capabilities such as genomics, data science, disease surveillance, toxicology and diagnostics will be strengthened through investment in the scientific workforce and deeper partnerships with industry and academia.
“We are already working to continuously protect the public from existing and emerging health threats, but our new strategy will ensure the UK is ready to tackle all current and future health threats quickly and effectively,” said Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive, UKHSA.
The organisation hopes to improve the UK’s understanding of emerging threats and build scientific defences against them, thereby protecting the health of the UK’s population and the country’s economic prosperity.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for the importance of health economic resilience and security,” said George Freeman MP, Minister of State, the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Freeman went to describe how the country learned “big lessons” surrounding pathogen detection, biosecurity and pandemic preparedness as a result of COVID-19.
Developments in the strategy include the establishment of a new Centre for Climate and Health Security. This will focus on the impact of climate change on public health threats.
